This video is no longer available.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police took custody of Angelo Grayson Smith, Jr. Tuesday. He’s the boyfriend of missing teacher Bianca Tanner and was wanted for one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Smith was arrested last week by US Marshals near Chicago.
Chief Rodney Monroe said Tuesday, “Mr. Smith, we believe, has continued to mislead us and misdirect us as it relates to the circumstances relating to Ms. Tanner’s disappearance.”
Smith’s attorney Ken Snow says, “I certainly think the Chief is entitled to his opinion. I don’t necessarily agree with his opinion, but he’s entitled to it and we all have opinions.” He also says, “It seems that the police, at least at this point, may have not been totally focused on finding Bianca, but certainly (are) going to great length to question my client.”
The Chief confirmed that Smith’s misdemeanor charge involving a juvenile is related to Tanner’s toddler son, who was with the couple the weekend of Tanner’s disappearance. Monroe says, “Anytime you would leave a three-year-old unattended for any amount of time, it could be considered neglect or abuse.”
The toddler also told investigators he saw Smith abuse Tanner. Tuesday, the police chief confirmed they have more information from the boy that they aren’t releasing publicly. CMPD has officially upgraded Smith’s investigation status to “person of interest.” And, in the coming days, investigators will search new places in the Charlotte area.
Smith’s attorneys tell WCCB their client is cooperating fully; that he was in Chicago because he has family there and was not avoiding arrest. Attorney Karen Dula says, “He’s been through a lot in the last several days. He was picked up in another state by the US Marshals, he was spoken to several times by different detectives while he was there, he was then transported by vehicle, (a) very, very long drive, back to Charlotte, North Carolina and then questioned again at length this morning, and we learned he has not even eaten today since the early hours of the morning. So understandably, he’s very tired, mentally, physically, emotionally, and he’s worried about Bianca.”
Smith has a court appearance Wednesday on the misdemeanor charge. Snow tells WCCB they will ask the judge to lower Smith’s bond from $100,000 to a “more reasonable” amount.
